stagnation

noun

stag·​na·​tion stag-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce stagnation (audio)
: a stagnant state or condition : a state or condition marked by lack of flow, movement, or development
In short, the increasing contamination and stagnation of the segment of river had become a matter of concern.Ryan Holifield and Nick Schuelke
In 1664, when plague had struck Amsterdam again, with the usual stagnation of trade that followed its worst attacks, the sight of a shooting star was taken as axiomatic confirmation of divine displeasure.Simon Schama

Examples of stagnation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Largely petitioning for higher salaries and benefits amidst a background of wage stagnation and ballooning CEO compensation, many workers went on strike during the summer, famously including WGA and SAG-AFTRA. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 21 Mar. 2024 In fact, even as the spirits sector showed some stagnation overall in 2023, sales of bourbon, rye and Tennessee whiskey were up 3.8% last year, according to the latest data from the Distilled Spirits Council. Brad Japhe, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 Rising inflation, an immigration crisis, National Health Service wait lists, and economic stagnation have all embittered voters toward the ruling Tories. Brady Knox, Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2024 The latest survey found that anti-establishment beliefs rest on a sense of economic stagnation and are correlated with poor economic performance, inequality, and nostalgia about the past. Clifford Young, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2024 By that time, India is expected to have mimicked China's meteoric economic rise, leaping to rank 3. Japan has been suffering from a severe case of economic stagnation since the 1990s that has been dubbed the Lost Decades by observers. Katharina Buchholz, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Income stagnation, attributed to neoliberalism by its critics, in fact arises from uncontrolled government spending that crowds out growth-sustaining investment, not only in the U.S. but in all advanced economies. Douglas Carr, National Review, 7 Feb. 2024 But Wang also suggests that this kind of stagnation is not inherent in Confucianism. Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Embracing Continuous Learning In the realm of leadership, stagnation is the antithesis of success. Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stagnation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stagnation was in 1644

Dictionary Entries Near stagnation

Cite this Entry

“Stagnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stagnation. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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